Senate Vote Fails to Advance Measure on Iran Conflict
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday failed to advance a War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting military action against Iran without congressional approval.
The resolution, introduced by Jeff Merkley, was rejected in a narrow 49-50 vote, marking the seventh unsuccessful attempt to move forward with similar legislation.
Bipartisan Support Emerges
Republican senators Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Susan Collins joined most Democrats in supporting the measure.
However, John Fetterman voted with Republicans to block the resolution from advancing.
White House Says Iran Conflict Has Ended
The failed vote comes as White House officials argue congressional authorization is unnecessary because the conflict with Iran effectively ended after the April 8 ceasefire agreement.
President Donald Trump previously acknowledged the ceasefire remained fragile, though administration officials maintain offensive military operations have stopped.
Debate Over Congressional Authority Continues
The War Powers Resolution is designed to give Congress oversight of military action, but lawmakers have never successfully used it to force a president to end hostilities.
Murkowski has also been working on a potential Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) related to Iran, which would formally allow Congress to debate and approve military action.
Still, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said earlier this week there appears to be little Republican support for an AUMF, arguing it is unnecessary while military operations remain paused.
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